September 7, 1942 - March 4, 2020 Alan Haskvitz, a teacher at Suzanne Middle School for over 30 years, died at home with his wife by his side. He was known for his innovative ideas and had received many awards for his excellence in the field of education. His students learned about polical action, social justice, science, technology and how to make a difference. His students rewrote and lobbied for changing the voting poll rules and state registration forms in Los Angeles County and they were the first to lobby for drought resistant plants in government buildings. He was inducted into the National Hall of Fame and was named a Hero in Education by Readers Digest. He helped to develop the "Reach Every Child" award winning website (www.reacheverychild.com). In addition to his hundreds of awards for his excellence in teaching he wrote an on-line column and blog in the Car Fmily Magazine (www.thecarfamily.com). Alan leaves his wife Irene (married almost 50 years), his daughter, Anna Haskvitz and son in law Joe Lessard, his son, Max, his brother Dennis, his sister Judy (and husband Dale),his nephews Cory Briggs (and Seekey), Jeff Briggs (and Priya) and Curtis. His family and friends will miss his sensitivity, his billiance, his sense of humor, his creativity and his smile. His students will carry on his legacy of thinking outside of the box. Donations in his honor may be made ro Southern Poverty Law Center, National Resources Defence Council or The Red Cross. A Remembrance in his honor will be held oon Saturday, April 18 at the Pomona Valley Mining Company.

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Published by Pasadena Star-News on Mar. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for ALAN HASKVITZ

Sponsored by Pasadena Star-News.

11 Entries

EDWARD BABAIAN

October 2, 2024

I was recently thinking of teachers who inspired me, and your dad was top of the list. I randomly searched to see what he was up to these days and was saddened to hear that he passed on. My sincere condolences. Your father was a great man and epitomized the word "teacher" in every sense of the word. He instilled confidence in me, a shy, introverted 7th grader, and gave me a sense of belonging that I can´t describe. May God rest his soul, and may He grant you all the peace and strength as you mourn his loss.

David Carr

March 7, 2022

I remember Mr. Haskvitz well from my time at Suzanne. He was one who had high standards knowing kids could rise up, doing and becoming more. I remember the drought tolerant garden and that inspired me in my own journey of becoming a biologist. He lived an excellent life of service to others. He will be missed.

Donna Raymond

November 9, 2021

My deepest sympathy,, Al introduced me to the game of basketball in grade 7 and I never turned back,,, we won many championships with two great coaches , Al and Del (United Counties Basketball),,, great memories,,, RIP Al,,,

Jason Huang

September 2, 2020

I still remember that classroom with all my friends and MR. Haskvitz. RIP

David W Carr

June 16, 2020

Although I did not have him as a teacher, I do remember the impact he had at Suzanne. He was revered by students, parents, and fellow teachers alike. He raised the standards of teaching and expectations for students and will be missed.

Nyssa (Radoumis) Wilson

June 4, 2020

I wish I had known of his passing. He was a huge influence to me. Astounding teacher and wonderful soul. What a huge loss.

Mike Cady

April 6, 2020

I remember he had a garden near his class. My buddy Phil had to attend to it because he didn't do his reports on time.

Diane Hatch

March 24, 2020

Alan was the most amazing person!! He had a wonderful sense of humor, which Russ and I enjoyed immensely! He was a good friend, awesome teacher, and won so many awards and special recognitions, which is so fantastic and exceptional for one person to accomplishment in a lifetime!!! He will be greatly missed! Russ and I want to express our deepest sympathy to Irene, his marvelous children and all of his loved ones.

Win OVERBACH

March 15, 2020

A life of giving and teaching and loving, is a life worth having. We, his family and friends, will hold his memories close to our hearts

Angela Currie

March 14, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Danny Pierce

March 14, 2020

Al was a great neighbor for many years, we enjoyed talking through the chain link fence dividing our yards about cars, the orange trees, gophers, rabbits and squirrels eating his plants and other gardening topics or when he was out walking his dog. I was very surprised to hear of his passing, he will be missed.

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